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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is Vietnam: The Power of Protest?
The Pentagon has a ten-year plan (funded by a $60 million appropriation from Congress) that,
in the guise of honoring Vietnam-era veterans on the 50th anniversary of the war, may also rewrite the history of the war. Some of us have gotten together to push back, as reported in a
front page article in the NY Times in October. We have to build a strong and sustained effort to
tell the truth about the war, the role of the antiwar movement in ending it, the war’s lessons
for today and the war’s consequences for the Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians, as well as
many American veterans. Vietnam: The Power of Protest is the kick-off for this effort.
Who is hosting this event?
This event is being organized by the Vietnam Peace Commemoration Committee, which consists
of former activists and leaders of the movement to end the war in Vietnam. Here is the full list
of its members: Ira Arlook, Sally Benson, Julian Bond, Heather Booth, David Cortright, Susan
Hammond, Tom Hayden, John McAuliff, Sophie Quinn-Judge, Paul Ryder, Marge Tabankin.
What are the dates of Vietnam: The Power of Protest?
Conference and commemoration events are scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:00
pm, and Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 7:45 am to 8:30 pm. Additional details about our schedule
of events can be found on our website at lessonsofvietnam.org.
Where do events take place?
Vietnam: The Power of Protest will be hosted at the historic New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church, located at 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 (www.nyapc.org). On
Saturday afternoon, we will also lead a commemorative walk through Washington, D.C. past
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the MLK Memorial.
Who is invited?
We welcome anyone with an interest in telling the truth about the Vietnam war, the role of the
antiwar movement in ending it, the war’s lessons for today. You may register to attend
conference and commemoration events here.
Are there hotel or housing options available?
The conference venue is located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, and there are many
hotel options within walking distance of our location. To learn more about nearby hotels and
to make reservations directly, click here. There are also many low cost accommodations
options in the DC area. A list of resources can be found here.
I am coming by plane/or train. What airport/train station should I use?
There are three airports serving the Washington, D.C. metro area: Ronald Reagan Washington
National Airport (DCA) (approximately 15 minutes from downtown DC), Washington Dulles
International Airport (IAD) (approximately 30-45 minutes from downtown DC), and Baltimore
Washington International Airport (BWI) (approximately 45 minutes from downtown DC). The
primary Amtrak station servicing the metro area is Washington’s Union Station.
Is there funding available for travel expenses?
At this time, there is no funding available to support travel to Washington for this event. We
strongly encourage you to make your own applications and to explore all possible avenues of
financial support within your own networks and local area.
Is there parking available at the conference venue?
There is metered street parking available on the New York Avenue and H Street sides of the
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. There are many paid parking garages within walking
distance as well.
Is the conference venue near public transportation?
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church is located near the METRO Orange and Blue Line at
the McPherson Square station (14th Street exit) and the Red, Orange, and Blue Lines at the
METRO CENTER station (13th Street exit). BUSES with stops near the church are G8, P2, X2, 80,
S2/4 , 42 , D1/3/6 , 30/32/34/35/36. You can use the trip planner at www.wmata.com.
Are these events open to the media?
All of our conference and commemoration events are open to the media. Inquiries may be
directed Ira Arlook, [email protected].
I am registered to attend. Who should I talk to about special dietary restrictions or other
preferences?
If you have purchased lunch or dinner, we are happy to accommodate any dietary preferences
and other special requests whenever possible. You may contact our event planning team with
any special requests. We can be reached by phone at and by email at
[email protected].
Is the conference venue fully accessible?
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church is accessible from the entryway on the side of the
church on New York Avenue. Elevators, ramps, and electronic doors enable access to all floors
and gathering places in the building, including the sanctuary on the second floor. We are
happy to accommodate requests for specific accommodations at the conference venue, but
request your assistance with notice in advance of the event. For more information, please
contact [email protected].
I want to participate in the rally on Saturday afternoon, but I don’t think I’ll be able to walk
from the church to the National Mall. Is there transportation available?
We will have transportation options available, including accessible vehicles, for participants
that do not wish to join the march from the Church to the rally site. For more information,
please contact [email protected].
What is the deadline for registration?
We request that you register to attend no later than April 17. If you require an extension of
time, please let us know.
I’ve registered for Vietnam: The Power of Protest, and I can no longer attend. How do I
cancel my registration?
To cancel your registration, please contact our event planning team by phone at (202) 505-1049
or by email at [email protected]. We will process your cancellation and issue a
refund of your registration fee.
Is it OK if I can only attend some of the events on May 1 and May 2?
We are happy to accommodate your participation for any length of time. The registration fee
is the same regardless of the number of events you attend.
I’d like to volunteer at the event. Who should I contact?
If you are interested in volunteering to work at the conference, please contact Terry Provance
at [email protected].
I still have questions. How do I reach the event planning team?
Please feel free to contact our planning team by email at [email protected] or by
phone at (202) 505-1049.